As we travel in life often we are blessed by having someone touch us in ways that change our lives forever. One person who deeply affected my life was a husband, dad, minister, and teacher.

I was blessed to have an internship with Roy Reiswig at Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington, Illinois in the summer of 1978. In some ways it seems like yesterday.

I remember loading my car and heading to the Land of Lincoln. I left Kansas City simply hoping I could make it through St. Louis without getting lost. I made it through the traffic and even got to see the Gateway Arch from a distance. I was heading north to Bloomington when I noticed the bright lights of a highway patrolman’s car flashing in my rearview mirror. I received my first speeding ticket—a great way to start an internship!

When I arrived at the church Roy was there to greet me. He told me the church could not pay for the ticket. I told him I would pay for it out of my large intern salary. We both laughed.

Roy had everything ready for my arrival. He was very organized. He had me doing all kinds of things to help me grow in Christ and in ministry. One thing he kept telling me to do was to think outside the box. I kept asking him, “What box?” About half way through the summer I finally got the message. I spent time with Gary, Rod, and other staff members too. I experienced almost every aspect of the ministry including weddings, funeral, youth activities, and teaching. The list could go on and on.

The highlight of the summer was a trip to a Christ In Youth conference at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma. There at the fountain on campus I asked Christine to marry me. I was as nervous as could be! I am not sure if I would have done it without Roy’s encouragement. With all my questions and doubts, Roy was there to guide me. He also told me several times to loosen up. He said my shoes squeaked when I walked. I was tight with money. I took his advice and asked the girl of my dreams to marry me. She said yes. This June we will celebrate 30 years together.

I believe God brought Roy and me together. We laughed, shared, and grew together in the Lord. It was a great summer. Roy prepared me well.

At the end of the summer Roy presented me with a book titled “My Pastoral Record.” Inside he copied two Scriptures: I Thessalonians 2:8 and Romans 12:1. He signed it “A brother who cares.” Every time I write in it I think about our summer together. It will always be special to me.

We kept in contact through the years. A few years ago we paid a visit to Roy and Georgia. Roy was ill and it was difficult for me to see him in that condition. I remember sitting in church together during Communion while tears rolled down my cheeks. I kept asking God, “Why Roy, one of your great servants? Why would you allow this to happen to him?” It was tough, but God knows more than I do and I trust him.

Nine years ago Roy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Roy went to Heaven on November 7, 2008 at the age of 61. He will be missed by many.

Roy loved his family, others, and the Lord. He served his God well. He will always remain in our hearts.

The Bible records events in the lives of many people I call unsung heroes of the faith. They do their job well and don’t care if they get noticed or get the credit. They simply want to please their God. This is what I will always remember about Roy. I am proud to have known him and I look forward to seeing him in Heaven. |L

OTHER COLUMNS:
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November 1, 2009 - Walking the edge
October 18, 2009 - Watch what you say
October 4, 2009 - Proposing a new proverb
September 20, 2009 - Fear and trembling
September 6, 2009 - Elwyn
August 23, 2009 - Where did the Bible go?
August 9, 2009 - The public school: a local mission field
July 26, 2009 - Astonishing the judges
July 12, 2009 - Letting the past go
June 28, 2009 - Line up
June 14, 2009 - The path to spiritual growth
May 17, 2009 - Silent soldier
April 19, 2009 - Operation Resensitization
April 5, 2009 - The temptations of ministers
March 8, 2009 - Conversation over shoes
February 22, 2009 - By their plurals you shall know them
February 8, 2009 - What is missing from your retirement plans?
January 25, 2009 - Turn the page
December 28, 2008 - Abba, Father
December 14, 2008 - Elementary truths
November 30, 2008 - The illusion
October 19, 2008 - Acting like a toddler
October 5, 2008 - Don’t miss this
September 21, 2008 - Foolish schemes
September 7, 2008 - God’s hand is everywhere
August 24, 2008 - The dance
August 10, 2008 - Strange land
July 27, 2008 - God’s amazing grace
July 13, 2008 - A best seller
June 29, 2008 - My grandfather’s clock and worship
June 1, 2008 - Reclaiming the name
May 4, 2008 - God is not our fairy godmother
April 6, 2008 - Success: what is it and who can measure up?
March 9, 2008 - Need to know
February 10, 2008 - The top three myths of singleness
January 13, 2008 - By invitation only
December 5, 2007 - Yes, Abbie, there is a Jesus
November 18, 2007 - 10 Ways to be a good Christmas customer
October 21, 2007 - The dividing line
September 23, 2007 - What do you fear?
September 9, 2007 - A life well lived
August 26, 2007 - To murmur, or not to murmur
July 29, 2007 - The cross and the Christian
July 15, 2007 - Turning the other cheek: still a valuable biblical principle
July 1, 2007 - Why the tie?
June 3, 2007 - The death of a son
May 6, 2007 - A prayer for the dying
April 8, 2007 - The omnipresent God
March 11, 2007 - Do the Amish have superheroes?
February 11, 2007 - What’s your black history?
January 14, 2007 - The split branch
December 31, 2006 - The house of regret
December 10, 2006 - The redemption of the innkeeper
November 26, 2006 - Too many choices
November 12, 2006 - Break the bashing habit: Learning to love the unsaved like Christ does: November 12, 2006
October 15, 2006 - Be ‘salt and light’ this Christmas!: October 15, 2006
September 17, 2006 - Who is a legalist?: September 17, 2006 Issue 38
July 23, 2006 - God speaks through our brokenness: July 23, 2006 Issue 38
June 25, 2006 - 'What I am looking for in my church leaders'